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2016 Nissan Altima

Nissan has given its top-selling Altima mid-size sedan a heavy refresh for 2016 for a model that has found a niche mostly among pharmaceutical fleets looking to provide their sales personnel a reliable, fuel efficient model with a bit of pizzazz.

Among commercial fleet purchasers, the Altima regularly outsells other Nissan models, including its vans and trucks. It has become a fixture in the North American fleets of Pfizer and AstraZeneca. We drove the refreshed Altima at a press event in Malibu, Calif., that showed off the vehicle's agile handling on curving and sloping mountainous roadways.

The Altima has been known for a somewhat subdued driving experience in part because of the quiet operation of its Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission, but this model handles most of what you throw at it with a confident ease. Body roll is minimal, and responsive power-assisted hydraulic steering complete an impressive package.

The 2016 model adds simulated revving (using a feature known as D-step logic) to suggest gear shifting. The Altima's relatively quiet operation may provide a benefit to traveling sales associates making hands-free calls.

Photo by Paul Clinton.

Engines carry over from 2015, including a 2.5L four cylinder and 3.5L V-6 that make 182 hp and 270 hp respectively.

Nissan has increased the fuel efficiency for the Altima, raising it to an EPA-rated 39 mpg highway, which equates to a nearly 3% improvement over the earlier model. City fuel economy matches the 2015 model at 27 mpg.

The Altima also gets an exterior styling revamp with Nissan's new design language that aligns it with the Maxima and Murano that came before it. The vehicle's prominent V-shape grille makes an immediate impression.

Interior updates focus on the details that can make small yet notable improvement, including textured surfaces in cup-holders and storage areas to keep pens, water bottles, and other objects from rattling around. Our SL model arrived included handsome and comfortable synthetic leather surfaces.

The 2019 Ford Transit Connect is available in either a cargo or passenger configuration and in short- or long-wheelbase models. The 2019 model can be ordered with a new 2.0L I-4 gasoline engine, optional 1.5L turbodiesel, or fleet-only 2.5L I-4.

The bigger frame, powered by a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel with 910 lb.-ft. of torque that is mated to a 10-speed Allison transmission delivers a greater towing capacity than its predecessor models, well in excess of 30,000 pounds.

The fifth-generation 2019 Forester is better by nearly every metric. It is quieter, larger, and safer. It has increased horsepower, greater fuel efficiency, and is more technologically advanced than the fourth-generation model it replaced.

Jeep's fourth-generation 2018 Wrangler JL arrives as a significant update to its Wrangler JK that upgrades the off-road icon into a more connected, fuel efficient, and more configurable model that should be a high-priority target for rental fleets in Utah, Colorado, and other areas located near national parks.

Fleet managers looking for a safety-oriented compact SUV should consider Hyundai's 2019 Santa Fe, which enters its fourth generation with an array of driver-assisting and safety features as standard equipment even on the base model.

Toyota is offering several upgrades to its flagship 2019 Avalon sedan, including boosted power, a revamped infotainment system, and suspension upgrades that enhance this nearly full-size sedan for executives who drive it as a perk vehicle.

The AT3 Discoverer 4S tires offered very capable traction without a significant on-road fuel-economy penalty. They would make a good choice for fleets that need a tire for vehicles that do most of their mileage on pavement but need occasional off-road capability.

The Nissan is currently available in front-wheel drive with three variants. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with continuous variable valve timing, and boasts 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque.

The 2018 Kona marks Hyundai’s first foray into the subcompact SUV segment. An affordable entry price, good gas mileage, and agile performance make it a strong competitor in the increasingly competitive market for these crossovers.